The Prime Minister announced on Sunday the appointment of David Frost as national security adviser. The UK’s chief negotiator will succeed Sir Mark Sedwill who has served in the role since April 2017.

Frost's appointment could be taken as a sign that the Prime Minister does not expect Brexit negotiations to continue past Autumn.

"He negotiated the deal that finally enabled us to leave the EU in January and in his new role I am confident he will make an equal difference to this country’s ability to project influence for the better," Boris Johnson said.

Frost says he will set a strategic vision for Britain’s place in the world as an independent country after the end of the EU transition period and to strengthen international relationships.

"To do this effectively we need to strengthen and refocus our international policy apparatus, to ensure that we keep pace with others in the world. The creation of the new Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office is one important step in this. Implementing the Integrated Review of our international capability, and making sure we use the National Security Council to drive its results, are also essential and I look forward to leading both.

"I will of course remain chief negotiator for the EU talks and these will remain my top single priority until those negotiations have concluded, one way or another."

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